Rumor of threat Friday at Stroudsburg schools not credible

Superintendent John Toleno reassured parents about the safety of the school district Wednesday during a special town hall style meeting.

CHRISTINA TATU

Superintendent John Toleno reassured parents about the safety of the school district Wednesday during a special town hall style meeting.

"We are very, very confident that everything we put in place is adequate," he said, referring to a long list of security measures he reviewed with a group of about 200 parents who filled the junior high school auditorium.

The question of school security has been especially prominent on parents' minds since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Friday that killed 20 students and six adults in Newtown, Conn.

"I have not stopped since Friday"» We take this thing very seriously," Toleno said.

He called the meeting in response to multiple emails and phone calls he has received from parents asking for clarification about the district's security.

Since news of the shooting first broke, Toleno and other district officials have been conferring over school security measures, making sure they are as effective as possible.

Toleno assured parents on Wednesday he believes they are.

"We haven't had a knee-jerk reaction here in Stroudsburg, and the good thing is it's because we didn't have to," he said.

The school district has at least one security guard stationed at each building during the day. The district also utilizes its security guards to watch students during bus arrivals and dismissals.

Once students enter the building for the day, security guards inspect the perimeter to make sure all doors are locked and secured.

In addition, a crisis planning and emergency preparedness team meets regularly to review district security.

At the start of the meeting, Toleno responded to recent concerns about a junior high school student who allegedly made threatening comments.

District officials are "heavily involved" in the situation , along with local law enforcement, he said.

"I do not believe the threat is credible, and unfortunately I think it has taken on a life of its own," he said.

Stories about the alleged threats are circulating on social media sites.

Just prior to Wednesday night's meeting, Toleno declined to comment on whether any students had been suspended in connection with the incident.

He did say during the meeting any student found to be making threats will be suspended and not allowed back in school until they receive a clean mental health evaluation, and it is determined they don't pose a threat to themselves or others.

"I feel, as a parent, we put our trust in you to squash (rumors)," said Heather Dean.

Many students have been talking about the alleged threats and some are even afraid to go to school, especially on Friday, which supposedly marks the end of the Mayan calendar, she said. Some superstitious people believe the end of the calendar could signal the end of the world.

Dean asked if a statement was made to students about the alleged threats.

"I can't answer that," Toleno said.

Dean asked if a statement was made to parents.

"No," he said.

Toleno explained he had decided against making a school-wide statement because he didn't want to create panic among students and parents, especially since school officials didn't feel there was any danger.

When asked after the meeting if school security would be stepped up on Friday, Toleno said, "We are going to have a heightened sense of awareness."

Other parents asked if school officials would be increasing certain security measures following Friday's shooting.

Parent Miquel Ortiz grew up in East Harlem.

"We had bars and gates on our windows," he said about his school district. "It seems like in the future we may need to move in the direction of bullet-proof glass."

Parent Tim Portoulas asked what type of security school officials have that would prevent a student from bringing a gun to school.

He questioned whether students should have to walk through metal detectors. Currently, the district has metal detector "wands" that they use at their own discretion, Toleno said.

He reminded parents and students to be vigilant and notify the district should they see anything suspicious.

An anonymous alert system on the district's home page allows residents to submit tips without having to give their names.

"Go home and hug your kids, because that's what we are all here for tonight," Toleno said.